RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia urged to play a stronger role in advancing a two-state solution for Palestine. Head of the International Relations Department at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Lina Alexandra, said Indonesia’s significant troop contribution should translate into greater influence within the Board of Peace (BoP).

“Since our forces are among the largest, with boots on the ground, we should have a bigger say and be able to influence decisions,” Lina said in Jakarta on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Her remarks came as Indonesia prepared to deploy 8,000 military personnel to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) under the BoP’s mandate. With such a substantial presence, she argued, Indonesia should be able to shape decisions within the council, which is chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“If the Board of Peace established by the United States, under Donald Trump, can truly help achieve the two-state solution, that’s fine. But if not, then what?” she asked.

Lina stressed the need for Indonesia to clarify its rules of engagement before sending troops to Gaza. While the mission is humanitarian - focused on rebuilding facilities in the enclave, clear guidelines are crucial, especially if Indonesian forces face armed confrontation.

Such risks, she noted, could arise if Indonesia is tasked with disarming one of the conflicting parties, namely Hamas. Hamas has already warned Indonesia against joining the mission, saying it would view ISF troops as equivalent to Israel’s defense forces (IDF).

“When we are forced to carry out a mandate to disarm one of the warring parties, we should not accept that mandate,” she said.

She added that Indonesia must also anticipate the possibility of withdrawing from the BoP if its decisions ultimately conflict with Indonesia’s commitment to supporting a two-state solution.

“The President has always said that if it doesn’t align with our goals, we can leave. But how exactly would that exit be carried out? That has never been discussed,” Lina explained.

She argued that Indonesia needs a clear strategy for withdrawal to avoid future complications or legal challenges.

“I’m not saying the BoP cannot be an alternative. I think it’s worth exploring. But there are still many unanswered questions,” she said.

For Indonesia’s hopes of pushing the two-state solution through its BoP membership to be realized, Lina emphasized, Washington - particularly President Trump - must provide firm assurances that the council’s mission aligns with Indonesia’s vision for peace in Palestine. ***